Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hays?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hays, you need to earn at least $103,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $80,625, which means the typical resident is $22,975 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 138

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,813	$6,043	$72,520	$-8,105
1 Bedroom	$2,150	$7,167	$86,000	+$5,375
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,590	$8,633	$103,600	+$22,975
3 Bedroom	$3,160	$10,533	$126,400	+$45,775
4 Bedroom	$3,885	$12,950	$155,400	+$74,775

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Hays's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$80,625

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$103,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$22,975

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 38.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Hays

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hays's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,016

Studio

$1,813/mo

1 BR

$2,150/mo

2 BR

$2,590/mo

3 BR

$3,160/mo

4 BR

$3,885/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Hays.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Hays's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hays

Housing in Hays, Texas is significantly stretched for median-income residents. The $22,975 gap between what a typical household earns ($80,625) and what a 2-bedroom demands ($103,600) means most renters are spending well above the recommended 30% threshold.

If you're relocating to Hays, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,813–$2,150/month) unless your income exceeds $103,600. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,295/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Hays is approximately $155,400. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Hays, Texas.

With a total population of 138, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 55 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $103,600 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

Active civilian employees in Hays

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hays

What salary do I need to live in Hays, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hays under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $103,600. The median household income in Hays is $80,625.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hays on $80,625?

The affordability verdict for Hays is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 38.5%, meaning there's a $22,975 income gap.

What is the average rent in Hays compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Hays is $2,150/month. With a median household income of $80,625, residents spend approximately 38.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hays?

A studio in Hays rents for approximately $1,813/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $72,520 to afford this.

Is Hays considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $22,975 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Hays is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $103,600 to the local median household income.

How Hays Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements